Quick-Release Clamp Retaining Structure for Secure Camera Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for mounting photographic equipment to camera stands are time-consuming and require careful alignment, often resulting in image blur or missed shots due to insufficient time for secure attachment.
Innovation Solution
A quick-release clamp with an adjustable arm and lever mechanism that allows for rapid adjustment and secure engagement or release of photographic equipment, utilizing a cam lever and counterforce springs to ensure secure attachment and prevent slippage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional threaded mounting methods are used to secure photographic equipment to a support, then the connection is secure and stable, but the mounting process takes an appreciable amount of time and requires careful alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is divided into separate components: a clamp body that attaches to the support, a separate mounting plate with rails attached to the photographic equipment, and a quick-release lever mechanism. This segmentation allows the equipment to be pre-prepared with the mounting plate, enabling rapid attachment to the clamp without time-consuming threading operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting plate with rails is pre-attached to the photographic equipment beforehand. This preliminary preparation allows the equipment to be quickly engaged with the clamp by simply aligning the rails with the channel and actuating the lever, eliminating the need for time-consuming alignment and threading during the actual mounting operation.
2Reliability
If traditional threaded mounting methods are used, then secure attachment is achieved, but insufficient time remains to complete mounting before a shot should be taken
Solution Approach 1:
The lever mechanism automatically secures the mounting plate to the clamp body when actuated. As the lever is moved to the locked position, it causes the channel to constrict and grip the rails, automatically achieving secure attachment without requiring additional manual operations or adjustments by the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp transitions from a static threaded connection to a dynamic lever-operated mechanism. The lever can be quickly actuated to move between locked and unlocked positions, enabling rapid mounting and demounting operations that keep pace with fast-paced photography requirements.
3Productivity
If a quick-release clamp with lever mechanism is used, then rapid mounting and demounting is enabled, but the retaining structure must ensure secure attachment and prevent slippage
Solution Approach 1:
The channel cross-section is designed with an asymmetric profile featuring opposed inclined surfaces that converge toward the rear. This asymmetric geometry creates a mechanical interference fit with the rails, where the inclined surfaces convert the lever's clamping force into a gripping action that prevents the rails from slipping out of the channel.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam lever incorporates a cam surface with curved geometry that translates rotational or linear motion of the lever into concentrated clamping force on the channel. This curved cam surface ensures uniform distribution of force and maintains consistent retention pressure to prevent slippage during use.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables rapid and secure mounting of photographic equipment, reducing the risk of image blur and missed shots by providing a reliable and efficient mechanism for attaching and detaching equipment from a support.
Implementation Method 1
The clamp includes a lever that moves between two positions to adjust the spacing between the side walls of the channel so that, when in a first, locking position, the channel grips the rails connected to the camera system
Implementation Method 2
utilizing a cam lever and counterforce springs to ensure secure attachment and prevent slippage
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for engaging equipment to a support includes a member defining a first channel having a first side wall capable of lateral movement with respect to a second side wall suitable for engaging the equipment therebetween. The member defines a pair of surfaces suitable for engaging equipment thereon. A movable member is capable of causing the lateral movement. A substantially compressible member is operably interconnected between the movable member and the first side wall. A pin is selectively raisable with respect to one of the surfaces within a peripheral area defined by the one of the surfaces.